Can you die of one collaspe lung?

A single collapsed lung is rarely life-threatening and usually resolves on its own or with simple treatment. However, a collapsed lung can become life-threatening if it is large, does not resolve on its own, or if there are underlying health problems. In these cases, the collapsed lung can lead to respiratory failure and even death.

Some of the factors that can increase the risk of death from a collapsed lung include:

* The size of the collapsed lung. A large collapsed lung can take up a significant portion of the lungs' airspace, making it difficult to breathe.

* The underlying cause of the collapsed lung. Some causes of collapsed lung are more likely to lead to complications than others. For example, a collapsed lung caused by a tumor is more likely to be life-threatening than a collapsed lung caused by a pneumothorax (air leak).

* The person's overall health. People with underlying health problems, such as heart disease or lung disease, are more likely to experience complications from a collapsed lung.

Treatment for a collapsed lung typically involves:

* Oxygen therapy. Oxygen can help to improve oxygen levels in the blood and make breathing easier.

* Chest tube drainage. A chest tube may be inserted to drain air or fluid from the pleural space and help the lung to re-expand.

* Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the collapsed lung.

The outlook for a person with a collapsed lung is generally good. Most people recover completely within a few weeks. However, the risk of death from a collapsed lung is higher in people with underlying health problems or a large collapsed lung.